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In the process of learning aikido, before you can even begin to engage another person in a movement, you must learn the basic structural principles. This initial ready position of your body is called "Kamae". A fundamental foundation of all effective aikido, this balanced and aligned state is thoroughly explored in this video program in all the variations and dynamic transformations commonly encountered in many styles of aikido. Several exercises are suggested as well as numerous techniques dissected in the exploration of how "Hanmi" fits into and affects the aikido you do. The main program, "Kamae" is 40 minutes in length. Also included is another 40 minutes of extra segments on the same theme. http://www.aikidoprinciples.com

I just received his DVD. The jewel case was broken, but the disc inside was fine.

The DVD was very professionally filmed. In watching it, I was very surprised by the incredible detail and thoroughness of explanation. Izumi Sensei's claim that the DVD could offer something for every level of experience was understated.

The DVD is an extensive look at kamae and how it supports technique. I learned several new ways to view what I have been doing for years.

I'm biased. Rocky is a) a friend, b) my sensei for an important time, c) did I say, my friend (and hunting companion). Explanations from Izumi sensei are helpful because he's able to speak in the language of origin with the shihan, and translate/discuss/converse about the waza/principles with us ignorant gaijin who are struggling to understand.

Some videos are presented in such an orderly fashion, while watching, you notice that you're impressed not only by the subject matter, but also by the extraordinary level of quality with which it is conveyed.

This video was so authentically and refreshingly cerebral, while at no time letting physical demonstration and application fall behind, that I would have enjoyed watching it's documentary-like presentation on any subject whatsoever. That the topic is Aikido served only to add to my enjoyment while viewing.

To say that I purchased this DVD because I was impressed with the website that presents it would be inaccurate. Had I relied on it, I wouldn't own the DVD at his moment. I purchased the DVD mainly because I've always been impressed with Mr. Izumi's opinions on Aikido and I have found a wealth of value in his essays. I took a leap of faith that the same insight and experience we find in his writing would be found in his DVD. I've confirmed it. It's there.

I do not have a great deal of disposable income. However, from a selfish perspective, I don't mind making coffee at home this month instead of stopping at the gas station in trade for profound insight into Aikido that will benefit me for the rest of my life. In addition, I experience it as a pleasure to buy from parties who are promoting a good way of Aikido.

A large portion of the video is Mr. Izumi seated and speaking to someone to the side of the camera just out of sight. It has a very personal feel. It's as if you're sitting next to the person he's speaking to.

Mr. Izumi is exceptionally articulate. He speaks with purpose and his dialogue is very polished. It's like listening to an audio book. It's a pleasure to listen to him speak.

During his intermittent dialogue, which moves between his conversational position to full screen demonstration, there is frequently a screen to the corner displaying the examples of the current topic. This is a very pleasant balance between discussion and activity. It's one of the things that impressed me most about the presentation.

Throughout the video, there was always a slight sense of excitement. Mr. Izumi is always calm, but there's a sense, even when rewatching, that you can't wait to see what's next because the last thing was so interesting.

An interesting detail I noticed is that his uke's are all wearing white belts. The effect is a very, very pleasing image in regard to colors. I suspect that the uke's are not white belts, but this video is so well thought out that they chose to wear white for image appeal. It's very gentle on the eyes like few videos are. It makes just watching a pleasure.

The topic is "Kamae". How well do I believe he delivered?

When I go to class and the instructor calls "Kamae!", I respond to the direction and create the shell of what I believe kamae to be. Hands here, feet there. I'm always concentrating on getting some detail right. However, that's not really kamae.

"Kamae" means something more than "stand in this position". It does, in fact, mean hands here and feet there, but those are just symptoms of kamae. I believe Mr. Izumi gives us every tool in the box to understand kamae and presents it in such a way that you understand how to use it.

I wish there was more to say about it. That so much clarity is offered in this video, two paragraphs of review about the subject covered seems inadequate. I can give no higher compliment than to say that this video hit the target dead-center. (This comes from a pre-war stylist.)

The extras are great. I don't know how frequently you have the chance to watch high level dans just loosen up when practicing techniques, but I never do. One of the extras is sort of a freestylish training session. It was a pleasure to hear Mr. Izumi tell his uke, who must be nearly a hundred pounds heavier,"Give me resistance. I like resistance." To another uke,"Come on, don't just fall for me."

The other extras are great. They covered a variety of very, very interesting Aikido topics. Things I had no clue about. Really interesting things with some really interesting discussion. Each extra (I believe there was a dozen) was a mini-video of sorts. Each gave enough understanding of the topic so that the principle could be applied. However, they were such interesting topics, I'd of been more than happy to see each of them full-length.

To say that "I got my money's worth" would not only be an understatement, but also an insult to Mr. Izumi. Instead I can only say,"Thank you."

I am a student, but you'll find no biases here.
My opinions are in line with those expressed above, the DVD is indeed worth the "investment".

With that being said, here is what I would see as an improvement in the next production.

1. More camera angles - the demonstration of Ikkyo, was mostly done with footage being take from the rear being Uke and Nage. Some visual cues may have been lost.
2. Layout - Sensi, you look great. But in the scenes where you narrate the steps of those doing the demonstration,I think its best for you to be in the small window, with uke/nage gaining more screen space (not the other way around). More visual cues.
3. Finally, I hope to see in the demostrations, the results when principles are done with good/bad executions. Example, in the section "Lots of Resistance" it would be good to show how good Kamae helps it technique execution and how bad Kamae hinders it.

I will say that I am a student of Izumi sensei, while he was here in the Caribbean.

I’ve found the “The Physical Principle of Aikido - Kamae Vol 1DVD” by Izumi Sensei extremely useful for dojos without yudanshas or certified instructors. Newly formed up-coming dojos can carefully follow & apply these step-by-step principles (still having been initially guided (or introduced) by certified aikido instructors). I am forced to show /impart aikido to equally enthused members of my club. I’m finding, that once ‘every & all’ principles are followed or attained, just about any syllabus technique movement can be analyzed, be repetitive, polished and be satisfactorily done!
Confidence levels are attained when you’ve Uke’s true (& in instances of friendly mischievous) attacks being aptly dealt with by Nage.

I consider that most of the products in the market are trying to present techniques, considering part of the basics already covered. There are a lot of ways to learn or to teach the first steps and I discovered new approaches.

I guess the modern way of teaching should also include explanations as "hangman's corner" or others, based on daily life experience.

I am looking forward to seeing all the other products mantioned in this collection! I need them!